Canal Boat Holiday Base Information - Base 10 near the Falkirk Wheel

Your holiday isn't tied to a specific route. You simply hire a boat for the time you choose, then explore the canals however you like. Our short-break, week, and two week routes are just ideas to help you plan your ideal canal holiday.

Short break routes (3 - 4 nights)

Edinburgh and Return

68 miles • 6 locks • 2 Wheel trips • 24 hours

This route ascends the Wheel at Falkirk through 2 new locks to join the original canal - the Wheel having raised you 100 feet and cut out many locks! The Wheel, locks and bridges are operated by British Waterways staff. The canal crosses the 75 foot high Almond Aqueduct then through the historic village of Linlithgow with ruined Linlithgow Palace on the shores of Linlithgow Loch and on to Ratho, home of the Edinburgh Canal Centre. Crossing the Slateford Aqueduct enter Edinburgh through the western suburbs, where the canal is used by rowers and boaters as it nears the city centre. Then enjoy the sights and attractions of Edinburgh!

Glasgow and Return

50 miles • 8 locks • 6 swing bridges • 18 hours

From the base head west along the wide Forth and Clyde Canal. Four evenly spaced locks after Bonnybridge take the canal to a broad straight section before Auchinstarry. The Campsie Fells overlook the canal and the valley it shares with the River Kelvin, and the scenery is superb as the canal follows the contours to Kirkintilloch, Cadder Village and Glasgow. The canal arm south to Applecross Street basin in Glasgow looks down to the River Kelvin windingfrom the University past the Museums and Botanical Gardens. You can then explore the sights and culture of this historic shipbuilding centre.

One week routes

Falkirk to Edinburgh and Glasgow

118 miles • 14 locks • 2 Wheel trips • 42 hours

This cruise combines the two short break cruises above to complete the width of Scotland, visiting both major cities in a one week holiday.

An alternative option from Falkirk is to divert at Stockingfield junction and follow the Clyde Estuary down to the pleasant old shipbuilding village of Bowling - 20 locks each way!

When cruising from Falkirk a rover ticket will be charged by Scottish Canals for use of the canals. The cost is £15 for up to three nights and £25 for any holiday over three nights. This ticket will be administered by Scottish Canals through their website and office. This payment will be taken on the first day of your holiday on arrival at the office at the Falkirk base.